India was the world’s second largest importer of major arms in 2014–18 and accounted for 9.5% of the global total according to an estimate by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This is an anomaly for a $3 trillion economy. It compromises strategic autonomy and crimps the war fighting ability.
The Modi government has sought to correct this anomaly through a series of policy initiatives to push the ‘Make in India’ defence category. However like a tank struck in the sands of the Thar Desert the reverse throttles are kicking up a lot of noise and dust but the tank is hardly moving an inch forward.
The maze
The first difficulty that ‘Make in India’ faces is the formidable Indian bureaucracy. The defence ministry is not willing to cooperate and that has made the whole thing come unstuck. Years are lost as policies are changed and goal posts shifted. In the past five years the defence procurement policy has seen three major and several minor changes. These changes upset the calculation and project management capabilities of the Indian private sector players keen on a defence play. They also unnerve foreign vendors who are not sure which rules to play by before committing to major investments in India.
The offset clause that mandates the spending of a part of Indian money given as payout for defence contracts has a major contradiction. While the policy in theory allows the company that has the contract to have an offset partner of his choice – the government has the right to veto any partner and also all offset partners are to be cleared by the Ministry of Defence. Thus, the actual room for the company that is awarding the offset contract is pretty much limited. This has meant delays in awarding contracts as companies do not like to part with defence contracts without having full say in such decisions.
Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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Denne historien er fra February 2020-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
